Skip to Content

Search: {{$root.lsaSearchQuery.q}}, Page {{$root.page}}

First Year Research Project

The purpose of the First Year Research Project (FYRP) is to provide graduate students with an introductory, independent research experience that is manageable in scope. The FYRP ensures that students are introduced to the skills necessary for proposing, carrying out, and presenting academic research. The FYRP is meant to be a practical application of the theories and methods students will be introduced to in the first year of their program. A key component of the FYRP is to aid in developing effective working relationships between faculty and graduate students who have common research interests. Students work under the close supervision of their faculty advisor(s).

The FYRP is a department requirement for all graduate students.  First year students must enroll in COMM 698:  Planning the First Year Research Project in the fall semester and COMM: 699:  First Year Research Project in the winter semester.

FYRPs will differ in nature and scope due to their highly individualized nature.  However, faculty will work to ensure that the project pursued is manageable, and that it can be completed in the student’s first year of the program.  Students typically plan their projects in the fall semester, conduct their research and draft their study in the winter semester, and complete their research and writing during the spring and summer semesters.  Students are required to present their research to the department’s colloquium the next fall semester.

Students can apply for Chamberlain funds from the department.